Language development occurs in a general hierarchal pattern. Simplier skills develop before more advanced skills. The more basic concepts serve as a foundation for higher levels. When children skip skill areas in their language development, problems may develop causing their language growth to slow or stop.
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Sequences of Development - Early to later developing skillsGeneral language development
1. Receptive understanding of an item or idea
2. Expressive labeling of an item or idea
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Communicative intents - the reason a person engages in social interaction listed from least social to most social
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1​. Behavioral Regulation

• Requesting objects
• Requesting actions
• Requesting assistance
• Protest/reject object
• Protest/reject action

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2. Social Interaction

• Requesting social routines
• Requesting comfort
• Greetings
• Calling attention
• Showing off

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3. Joint Attention

• Commenting
• Requesting information from others
• Giving information to others